Multicylinder pump



Aug. 16, 1 932.

C. E. MILLER MULTICYLINDER PUMP 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April25. 1930 III"! Aug. 16, 1932. c. E. MILLER 1,871,816

, MULTICYLINDER PUMP Filed April 25, 1930 2. Sheets-Sheet 2' 3mm toe Patented Aug. 16, 1932 PAT Fries CLARE-136E E. MILLER, 0F BEALLSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA MULT'IC'YLIN'DER r'u'ivii Application filed April '25, 1930. serial No. 447,322.

This invention relates to pumps especially adapted for controlling the delivery of viscous fluids, such as viscose or nitrocellulose collodion, to the spinnerts of artificial silk 5 making mechanisms through which the fluid is forced to form filaments although, as the description proceeds, it Will become appar cut that the invention is capable of other applications.

" The niulticylinder pumps heretofore pro posed for use in bringing about a constant flow of scose to the spinnerets of artificial silk mamechanisms require exact ma chininp; of the componentparts thereof and close supervision during use so that such Wear as may have taken place may be compensated for, with the result that such pumps are cxpensiveto manufacture and maintain in operation.

E Also, an intermingling of a lubricant With the fluid being pumped must be avoided, in the present pumps it is necessary to rely solely on the fluid itself as a lubricant and consequently the moving parts are not properly lubricated and Wear rapidly.

With an appreciation of the foregoing and other liificulties encountered in the manufacture and use of multicylinder pumps for operation in connection with fluid of the char- 1 acter herein suggested, the invention forming the subject of this applicationcontemplates the use of a multcylinder pump in which the fluid being pumped is prevented from coming in contactwith the pumping pistons by the employment of a diaphragm between the pumping chambers and the power pistons to the end that the necessity of close Working nts between the pistons and the cylinder Walls is obv and other parts avoided by the employment of a lubricant Without danger of its inter mingling with the fluid, it being noted in this latter connection that the provision of the membrane permits of Wearing of the pumping pistons Without interrupting or changing the uniform delivery of the pump. Another attribute of the invention Will'be found to reside in the arrangement and construction of the various parts thereof prov-id ing a means by which the assembly is facilited and rapid Wear of the pistons tated and the ready dismantling of the pump for inspection or repair made possible.

Other objects including low cost of manufacture, simplicity, and durability willbe come apparent during the course of the fol- :1 lowing description. I

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and in Which like numerals are employed-to designate like parts throughout the same; v Figure 1 is a side elevation of the pump,

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional View taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a sectional View taken on line 3'? of Figure 1,

Figure 4: is a transverse sectional view taken on line 4'4 of Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 55 of Figure 3,

Figure 6 isan end elevation illustrating the cylinder head detached,

Figure 7' is a group perspective of the P p;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the cam embodied in the invention;

In the dravvings wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodi ment of the invention, the numeral 10 en erally designates a body preferably of L- shaped formation and which, as suggested in Figure 2-, is formed with an arm or branch 6 adapted to be intercalated in a fluid conduct, ing line having What might in the instant case be said to be inlet and outlet conduits-7 and arespectively. The second arm or branch of the L shaped body is in the nature of a spindle 9 tapered toward the outer end thereof and having a cylinder body mounted thereon, Which body comprises a cylinder head 11 and an annulus n or cylinder block 12. The members 11 and 12 are rigidly connected through the medium of bolts orother fastening devices 14, which bolts in addition to connecting the sections 11 and 12 provide for the rigid attachment of a ring gear16 to the cylinder. 4

Attention is now invited to Figure 2, in which it is illustrated that the cylinder head 11 is formed with an annular series of pumping chambers 18 extending parallel tothe axis of the spindle 9 and adapted to be alternately increased and diminished in volume to provide for the pumping of the fluid.

The circulation of fluid through the pump and the fluid line may be in either direction and by way of example the fluid is shown to enter through the conduit 7 under pressure and a passage in the arm 6, the inlet portion of the passage 20 being extended angularly and positioned to receive fluid from the conduit 7 while the outlet portion of the passage 20 is extended longitudinally of the spindle 9 and communicates with the pump by way of a port 22. The substantially radially disposed passages 24 in the cylinder head 11 are adapted for successive communication with the supply port 22 and are in constant communication with the pumping chambers 18 with the result that during the period that the various passages 2% are in communication with the port 22, fluid will flow through the inlet conduit in the spindle 9 into the associated cylinders 18.

The discharge of fluid from the pump takes place through a passage communicating at one end with the outlet conduit 8 and at the other end with the outlet port 32 with which the radial passages 24 successively communicate.

From the foregoing it is apparent that to bring about communication of the various pumping chambers 18 alternately with the inlet and outlet passages 20 and 30, respectively, there must be rotation of the cylinder with respect to the spindle 9 and such rotation is accomplished through a suitable driving means 36 in the nature of a spur gear in mesh with the ring gear 16.

The arm 6 is pivotally mounted on the inlet and outlet conduits 7 and 8 and the pump may be rendered inoperative by simply raising thearm 6 and affecting a disengagement of the ring gear 16 and the driving gear 36.

The cylinder has by way of illustration been shown to be the rotating member. However, it is apparent that the cylinder may be held in a fixed position and the pumping action efl'ected by the rotation of the spindle and cam ring.

' It is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, that the cylinder block or annulus 12 is formed with an annular series of cylinders 36 in axial alignment for reciprocation therein there being a diaphragm or membrane 40 of annular formation positioned between the sections 11 and 12 to prevent the fluid being pumped and traveling through the chambers 18 from coming in contact with the pistons 38 and thereby permitting of wearing of the cylinder walls and pistons without effecting the delivery of the pump.

It is believed to be apparent that the reciprocation of the pistons 38 will result in the flexing of the adjacent portions of the diaphragm tO into the associated pumping chambers 18 to vary the volume of such chambers and thereby bring about the desired pumping action.

In this connection, attention is directed to the relative sizes of the diameters of the pumping chambers 18 and the pistons 38, the diameters of the pistons being considerably smaller to avoid injury or pinching of the membrane which is flexed by the action of the pistons.

The diaphragm 10 is disposed between the cylinder head 11 and the cylinder block 12 in a gasket-like manner, there being a sufficient amount of the diaphragm in contact with the opposed surfaces of the cylinder head and the cylinder block to firmly hold it in position and preventany fluid from leaving the chambers 18 other than by the normal action of the pump.

The advancement of the pistons 38 is af fected by a cam ring 50, the active surface of which is in opposed relation to the outer ends of the pistons and is engaged thereby.

The cylinder 11-12 is shown in the present case to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction as suggested by the arrow in Figure 2. Thus, the piston 36 in the right hand part of the illustration of Figure 2 is at the beginning of its outward or pressure stroke while the piston at the left hand part of the figure is shown at the completion of its outward or pressure stroke. The advancement of the pistons is brought about by the cam ring while the retraction of the pistons is brought about by the inherent tension of the diaphragm 10 acting either alone or in concert with the fluid being pumped.

During the period that a particular chamber is in communication with the inlet port 22, the associated piston is being moved outward and remains in contact with the receding portion of the cam ring. When communication of a particular cylinder with the inlet port '22 is interrupted as a result of turning of the cylinder, communication of that cylinder will be subsequently established with the outlet port and during such communication of the cylinder with the outlet port the associated piston will be advanced by the advancing segment or section of the cam ring to discharge the fluid previously admitted to the pumping chamber.

The inlet and outlet ports 22 and 32, respectively, are shown to extend about the circumference of the spindle 9 with the ends thereof in spaced relation and during the short period when a particular cylinder is not communicating with either of the aforesaid ports the associated piston will be received in either of the depressed portions or sections of the cam ring. In this manner, the discharge of fluid from the cylinder 18 is delayed until the cylinder has communication with the outlet ports 32.

The cam ring 50 is shown to be provided with a pair of attaching or mounting apertured ears connected to the pumping body by screw bolts .66 or the like allowing the angle to the cam ring with respect to the axis of the spindle 9 to be varied. Adjustment of the ring 50 may be affected by a set screw 68 passing through an ear or boss 70 on the body 5 and held in a predetermined position by a lock nut 72. In this manner, the cam ring 50 may be adjusted to vary the stroke of the pistons 38, it being obvious that variations in the stroke of the piston will affect a variation in the volume of fluid being pumped. V

The arrangement of the cam ring is such that its angle with respect to the spindle may be varied in either longitudinal direction to permit rotation of the cylinder in a direction opposite'to its normal rotation and thereby effect a reversal of flow of the fluid through the pump. 7

The herein disclosed pump contemplates a relatively high speed on the part of the rotating cylinder coupled with a short piston stroke and a relatively large bore which combined with the fact that the power impulses of the various pistons are overlapped, produces a uniform flow of fluid especially valuable for the purpose intended.

The means by which the fluid being pumped is prevented from coming in contact with the pistons 38 and the like allows of a rather loose fit of such pistons so that long life is assured. In this connection, it might be noted that the mounting of the cylinders on the tapered spindle provides a simple means by which wear from time to time may be taken up by the nut 78 threaded on the stem of the spindle.

The particular structure of the pump not only provides an arrangement which may be assembled with facility, but any damage or inoperativeness of the diaphragm is readily noticeable and its accessibility for replacement permits it to be placed in operative condition within a short duration of time.

In the manufacture of artificial silk, a solution of cellulose or other material is forced through a spinneret into a coagulating bath and it is necessary that the pump delivering the fiuid to the spinneret be leak-proof and produce a uniform flow regardless of the fluctuation in feed pressure. Further, the pump must obviously be capable of being quickly adjusted for variable rates of delivery depending on the size of the thread and the speed of take off.

The pump forming the subject matter of this invention not only fulfills each of the above outlined essential requirements but also provides a structure which has a variety of applications especially where a uniform flow is desired. 7

While there is shown only one embodiment of the invention in the accompanying drawings, it is capable of various changes and 1. In a device of the class described a tapered shaft having inlet and outlet ports, a member rotatable on said shaft having a plurality of pumping chambers therein and passages for communicating the chambers with the inlet and outlet ports, a cylindrical block fixed to said member having a plurality of cylinders in axial alignment with the pumping chambers, a diaphragm interposed between said member and the cylinder block, pistons in each of said cylinders, means for effecting a communication of the chambers respectively with the inlet and outlet ports, and means for actuating the pistons and exerting pressure on the diaphragm when the pumping chambers register with the outlet ports.

2. In a device of the class described a tapered shaft having inlet and outlet ports, a member rotatable on said shaft having a plurality of pumping chambers therein and passages for communicating the chambers with the inlet and outlet ports, a cylindrical block fixed to said member having a plurality of cylindersin axial alignment with the pumping chambers, a diaphragm interposed be tween said member and the cylinder block, pistons in each of said cylinders, means for effecting a communication of the chambers respectively with the inlet and outlet ports, and a cam surface adapted to actuate the pistons in the direction of, the diaphragm when the pumping chambers register with the outlet ports. 7

3. In a device of the class described a tapered shaft, having oppositely disposed ina diaphragm interposed between said rotat ing member and the cylinder block forming fluid tight chambers, pistons in each of said cylinders, said pistons normally extending beyond the outer surface of said. cylinder block, means for rotating said member, and a cam disposed at an angle with respect to the axis of said spindle for effecting a displacement of said piston in the direction of the diaphragm when the pumping chambers register with the outlet port.

4. In a device of the class described a spindle having inlet and outlet ports, inlet and outlet conduits communicating therewith, a member rotatable on said spindle. having a plurality ofpumping chambers and means for establishing communication between said chambers and the ports, said rotatable member having a plurality of cylindersfin axial alignment with said pumping'chambers, a diaphragm interposed between said pistons and said pumping chambers, and means associated with said pistons for effecting a flexing of the diaphragm and discharging the fluid at a substantially uniform flow.

- 5. In a device of the class described a spindle having inlet and outlet ports, a member rotatable on said spindle having a plurality of pumping chambers therein and passages for establishing communication between the chambers and the inlet and outlet ports, a cylinder block fixed to said rotatable member having a plurality of cylinders in axial alignment with the pumping chambers, a diaphragm interposed between said rotating member and the cylinder block, pistons in each of said cylinders, means for rotating said member, and means actuating said pistons and effecting a flexing diaphragm when the pumping chambers register with the outlet port.

6. In a device of the class described, a shaft having inlet and outlet ports, a member rotatable on said shaft having a plurality of pumping chambers therein and passages for establishing communication bet veen and the inlet and outlet ports, a cylindrical block fixed to said member having a plurality of cylinders in axial alignment with the pumping chambers, a diaphragm interposed between said member and the cylinder block, pistons in each of said cylinders, means for eliecting a communication of the chambers respectively with the inlet and outlet ports,

and means forcing said pistons against the diaphragm and producing a flexing thereof when the pumping chambers register with the outlet ports.

7. A device of the class described comprising a tapered spindle having inlet and outlet ports, inlet and outlet conduits communicating therewith, a member rotatable on said spindle having a plurality of pumping chambers therein and passages for communicating said chambers with the inlet and outports, a cylinder block fixed to said rotatable member having a plurality of cylinders in axial alignment with the pumping chambers, a diaphragm interposed between said rotating member and said cylinder block sea-ling "he pumping chambers from the cylinders, means for rotating said member, a cam ring disposed an angle with respect to the axis of said spindle, to effect a displacement of the 'pistons in the direction of thediaphragm when the associated pumping chambers register with the outlet port, and a gradual return of the piston when the associated chambers register with the inlet port.

8. A device of the class described comprising a tapered spindle having inlet and outlet said rotating member and said cylinder block sealing the pumpingichambers from the cylinders, means for rotatingv-said'membena cam ring disposed at an angle with respect to the axis of said spindle, to effect a displacement of the pistonsin the direction of the diaphragm when the associated pumping chambersregister with theoutlet port, and a gradual return ofv the piston when the associated chambersregister with theinlet port, said cam ring being provided with depressed portions therein to prevent the pistons from being, displaced when they are not in communication witheither the outlet or inlet ports.

9. In a device of the class described a tapered shaft having inlet and outlet ports, a member rotatable on said shaft having a plurality of pumpingchambers therein and passages for communicating the chambers with the inlet and "outlet ports, a cylindrical block fixed to said memberhaving'a plurality. of cylinders in axial alignment with the pump ing chambers, a diaphragm interposed between'sa-id member and the cylinder block, pistons in each of said cylinders, said cylinders having a cross section area smaller than that of the chambers, means for effecting a communication of the chambers respectively with the inlet and outlet ports, and means for actuating the pistons and exerting pressure on the diaphragm when the pumping chambers register with the outlet ports.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

CLARENCE E. MILLER. 

